Chicago Blackhawks: 3 Edmonton Oilers free agents to consider

The Chicago Blackhawks desperately need some help at the forward positions.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was the first overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft. He hasn’t scored enough to necessarily live up to that selection by the Oilers but he has been a good player nonetheless. He is well known for helping his team be high chance shot producers and being a defensively sound two-way player. His points aren’t always through the roof but he certainly creates a good amount of offense. He is a great piece for the Hawks to consider on a short-term deal.

In 2020-21, Nugent-Hopkins had 16 goals and 19 assists for 35 points in 52 games. He was clearly the third-best forward on the Oilers. With his contract set to expire once free agency hits, he might be looking for a change of scenery going into his age-28 season. His advanced statistics always look nice so there are always going to be teams looking at a guy like that.

In the McDavid era of his Oilers career, Nugent-Hopkins has shown the ability to play multiple positions. The Oilers were at their best when he played center behind McDavid and Draisaitl but his offensive numbers were at their best when he played on McDavid’s wing. If he played center with someone like Patrick Kane, it would absolutely form a really good line. He might not even cost that much so he is someone worth considering for the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Hawks probably still see themselves as a team that can make a run so they might consider one of these guys. Retooling their roster is probably a better idea but Stan Bowman doesn’t seem interested in that. If that is the case, one of these three Oilers would make a great fit.